How does Social Security evaluate the medical evidence in my Michigan disability case?

Medical evidence lies at the heart of every Michigan Social Security disability determination. Medical evidence may come from “acceptable” medical sources or “other” medical sources.

The Social Security regulations define “acceptable” medical sources to include licensed physicians (medical or osteopathic doctors), licensed or certified psychologists, licensed optometrists, and qualified speech-language pathologists. “Other” medical sources include naturopaths, chiropractors, and audiologists. The Social Security Administration places special emphasis on medical evidence from healthcare providers who have treated or evaluated you on an ongoing basis because these individuals are in the best position to provide a detailed, long-term view of your impairment. Treating sources can provide a fuller picture of your impairment than can a doctor who may have examined you only once, or a hospital or clinic where you stayed for only a short time.

In making its disability determination, the Social Security Administration first looks to the acceptable medical sources for proof of the existence of your impairment. Once the fact of your impairment is proven by an “acceptable” medical source, the Social Security Administration will consider the medical evidence from other sources in evaluating the severity of your impairment and its impact on your ability to work.

If you would like to talk with a Detroit disability lawyer about the available medical evidence in your Michigan Social Security disability case, please complete the Free Claim Evaluation form on this page or contact me directly.